Epworth, Iowa Field Day Focuses on Cover Crops and Grazing

Farmers and landowners will have an opportunity to learn how cover crops can benefit both their fields and their livestock during a free field day near Epworth on Thursday, November 12th.

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Iowa Learning Farms will host the event from noon to 2 PM at Smith Family Farm in Epworth. The program will focus on using cover crops as a source of forage for cattle, while also helping protect soil and water quality. A complimentary meal will also be provided.

The event is part of Iowa Learning Farms' Beyond the Basics: Advanced Cover Crop Series, which offers farmers and landowners practical information on using conservation practices in their operations.

“Cover crops are a critical tool in meeting Iowa’s water quality goals while maintaining healthy soils. In addition to their environmental benefits, cover crops can offer high-quality feed for livestock. This field day will educate farmers and landowners on the potential grazing opportunities of cover crops and offer firsthand insights into putting cattle back on the land.”
-Mitch Harting, Water Outreach Specialist with Iowa Learning Farms

Shelby Gruss, an extension forage specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will discuss how cover crops can provide feed for livestock. Scott Hendricks, a conservation agronomist with Dubuque County Watersheds, will explain efforts to encourage cover crop use and outline resources available to farmers interested in getting started. Local cattle producer Jack Smith will also share his experience using cover crops for forage and grazing on his farm in rural Dubuque County.

Cover crops are plants grown between regular crop seasons, often after corn or soybeans have been harvested. They can help keep soil in place, reduce erosion, improve soil health and limit the movement of nutrients into nearby waterways. When managed properly, some cover crops can also provide additional grazing opportunities for cattle, potentially helping farmers make better use of their land.

The benefits can vary depending on the type of cover crop, weather conditions, planting dates, and grazing management. Field days like this one allow farmers to get answers to those questions. They'll see how conservation practices are being used, and get a look at what might work on their own farms.

Iowa Learning Farms is a statewide program based at Iowa State University. Established in 2004, it brings farmers, landowners, researchers, and conservation professionals together to encourage practices that improve water quality and soil health while keeping Iowa farms productive and profitable.

Several Iowa Learning Farms field days are scheduled across the state for November, giving farmers and landowners more opportunities to learn about conservation practices and how they can be used on their own operations.

Upcoming Iowa Field Day Events:

Tuesday, Nov. 3: Cover Crop and Manure Management Field Day | Noon to 2 p.m. at the Le Mars Convention Center, 275 12th Street SE, Le Mars.
Wednesday, Nov. 4: Cows, Creeks, and Common-Sense Conservation Field Day | Noon to 2 p.m. at Tom and Jeni Melcher Farm, 1411 111th Avenue, Castalia.
Wednesday, Nov. 11: Prairie and Pollinator Field Day | Noon to 2 p.m. at the Buena Vista University Multipurpose Room in Siebens Forum, 610 West 4th Street, Storm Lake. Visitor parking is available in lots L, K, B and D.
Thursday, Nov. 12: Cover Crop and Grazing Field Day | Noon to 2 p.m. at Smith Family Farm, 26129 Tivoli Lane, Epworth.
Tuesday, Nov. 17: Cover Crop and Grazing Field Day | Noon to 2 p.m. at Werner Family Angus, 1563 210th Avenue, Diagonal.
Wednesday, Nov. 18: Cover Crop and No-Till Field Day | Noon to 2 p.m. at the Rippey Community Room, 220 West Main Street, Rippey.
Thursday, Nov. 19: Strip-Till and Bioreactor Field Day | Noon to 2 p.m. at the Reinbeck Memorial Building Auditorium, 208 Broad Street, Reinbeck.
Tuesday, Nov. 24: Cover Crop and No-Till Field Day | Noon to 2 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Clear Creek Heritage Association, 30832 242nd Street, Harper.

The events are free and open to farmers and landowners, with reservations requested. For registration and additional information, email ilf@iastate.edu, call 515-294-5429, or visit their website.